Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyal But despite Helen Gibson’s loyal fans, her fearless stunts, and her role as a pioneer, not many people know about her today. Hannah Fish, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 2025 Rhames will play Tanker, Fang’s loyal right hand who was the second-in-command of Fang’s Special Forces squad when they were captured in Afghanistan. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025 After Orban became prime minister in 2010, his government stripped public employees of key civil service protections, fired thousands, and replaced them with loyal members of the ruling Fidesz party. Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025 The Village Cafe has served its loyal customers breakfast and lunch every day at its home on Branch Street since 1968, but it may soon be forced to close as some of its most popular items bacon and eggs continue to skyrocket in price. Wire Report, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In the meantime, colleges should remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law—principles that have long guided American higher education.
    Scott White, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Part of Trump’s plan openly involves relocating Palestinians to two staunch U.S. allies with formidable military capabilities — Egypt and Jordan.
    John Weaver, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Attempts to cast him as a staunch proponent of American restraint or opponent of corporate greed do not reflect his pre-political career, never fit his first-term policies, and don’t describe his current ones.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So what if this futuristic action flick isn't exactly faithful to the '82 King book (written as Richard Bachman)?
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • And at the Vatican on Wednesday, Holy Year pilgrimages continued, with groups of faithful walking through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on a chilly and cloudy day.
    NICOLE WINFIELD, arkansasonline.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The pontiff is resting, the Vatican's press office said publicly on Wednesday morning, in one of its twice-daily updates that have drawn the close attention of devout Catholics worldwide.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Fields, on the other hand, seems to be actively encouraging the love between Irving and Burt’s innies to blossom, due to his devout religious beliefs, which frame innies as separate entities with their own souls.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Airbrush is also a true full-length style that's proved clutch for taller shoppers (see below).
    Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The same is true for floss, which is often made of or coated with plastic.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There are also a few gems that clearly paint Holland as a dedicated animal owner, like a nose and paw balm, a deodorizing spray and a combing brush for dogs.
    Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025
  • There will be a space for clinic services provided by Shelter Health Network and a dedicated play space for children.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The popular series, starring Selleck, Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes and Len Cariou, ended its 14-season run in December while maintaining a devoted fan following.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Joined by Walter, his devoted cleaner fish nanny, and Darya, a brave deaf orca, Vincent must face his fears, accept his loss, and discover his own song to save the oceans.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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